Safe protecting device



Oct. 16, 1934. B, J. STEVENS SAFE PROTECTING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet Filed DeC. 19J 1952 2f PIES.

INVENTOR 55m-QAM J STE VEA/.5

ATTORNEY B. J. STEVENS 1,977,358

SAFE PROTECTING DEVICE Filed Dec. 19. 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 oct. 16, 1934.l

INVENTOF? 55m-QAM J. STEVE/v5 LVTOQNEY a a 1 M ,.LII d al mmm *la 3 3 m W ma 6 9 0 2 s 5 6 Patented Oct. 16, 1934 7 '-UlvIvTlizi -A STATES "PATENT-OFFICE Bertram J" Stevells: HollyWlJOd,` Clf. rv i Application December 19, 1932.,Serial No. 647,931

11 Claims.

This invention relates to devices for protecting locks of the socarlled combination type such as are used on safes, vaults, and the like.

-`As is well known to those familiar with the art, the conventional type of combination lock embodies a lock mechanism which includes the bolt and the operating vdisks mounted in the door of the safe., 'I he combination disksand the bolt are operated by a spindle which extends through a tube mounted in the safe door and projects outwardly beyond the exterior-,surface ofthe door where it is secured to an operating knob, such knob ordinarily-being provided with a dial which works in a dialring. mounted on'the safe. door.

It is the usual practice forI unauthorized persons opening Vsafes for the purpose of robbing them oftheir contents to gain entrance into the lock mechanism Aeither by driving the.. spindle through the lock or by pulling it therefrom. In driving the spindle through the lock, it isthe usual practice to breakr the knob oif the spindle by striking it with a sledge or by cutting it with a i saw or torch, and then using a punch or a sledge to drive the spindle through the lock. When the Y spindle is pulled, va device similar to a wheel puller is placed upon the knob with legs bearing against the safe door, and by means of a screw mechanism, or other suitable means to give the. desired mechanicaladvantage, the knob and the i tear gas,A whichl is 4arranged so as to be broken,

thereby releasing the iluid,` in the event an attempt is made togain access to or toydrive the` spindle. y I l f I am aware of the fact that attempts have been madel to produce devices designed to release an obnoxious fluid when the spindle is driven through thelock, suchdevices, however, have a disadvantage in that the damage to the `safe itself` is donebefore the thief is driven away, and in the event he knows the location ofthe article which he desires he may, by working rapidly,4

open the safe and grab the article before the gas or vapors have an opportunity to takeeiect. lDe-v vices 'of this characterhave the further disad-f (ol. e-46) vantage that they arev ineffective. in preventing the spindle being pulled. y

, It therefore becomes a primary object of this invention to produce a device i. of the class described Which is designed so as togprevent either 60 tainer of lobnoxious fluid is mounted in the hollow chamber of .theA knob andis rigidlysecured to the operating spindle in a manner such that an abnormal pulling forcel on thefknob or the breakage of the knob by striking vit with a Sledge or by cutting itwith a saw or torch is effective to break 7,5.`

the container and release the gas. This device is of extremely simple construction, it may be economically manufactured, and can readily be installed on any standard type of `combination lock.

Furthermore, it does not necessitate the weaken- 8,0

ing in any way of the insulating properties of the safe door, and the only part which can -be broken can be cheaply and quicklyreplaced. My invention may, however, be embodied. in various other forms, all of which may be economically manufactured and easily installed on any standard type of combination lock, .and are effective to guard the safe against damage as well as to prevent access thereto. I

The `details `in the construction oflcertain preferred forms vof my invention, together with other objects attending itsproduction, willbe best understood from .the following description of the accompanying drawings kwhich are chosen for illustrative purposes only, and in which- AFig. lis an elevational view partly insection showing a combination lock equipped with a preferred f orm of my invention;v l

` Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional viewtaken in a plane represented by the line 2 2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is alsectionalview taken in a plane represented by the lineB-S in Fig.. 1; l

Fig. 4 is an velevational view partly in section showing a Ymodification of my invention;

Fig. 5 is a Vsectional View taken, in a plane represented by the line 5-5of Fig. 4; d Fig. `6 is an elevational view partly in section showing another modification of the invention;Y Fig'. '7 a sectional viewtaken in planes represented by the line 7-7 in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is an elevational view partly in section showing another modification of the invention; and

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken in a plane represented by the line 9-9 in Fig. 8.

More particularly describing the invention as herein illustrated, reference numeral 11 indicates the door of a safe or the like which is shown as being provided with a lock mechanism 12 which may be of the conventional type and is shown as comprising a case 13, a bolt 14, combination disks and an operating disk, generally indicated in dotted lines at reference numeral 15.

The disks are operated and the boltv is thrown in the conventional manner by means of a spindle 16 which is threaded and `keyed to the lockoperating mechanism and which extends through plate member 21 is locked against theouter surface of the door by means of' a nut 22 which is mounted on the extending end of the spindle tube 17.

The spindle 16 is shown as being provided with an enlarged hollow end portion 23, such end portion extending beyond the nut 22 and having an open end 24. Reference numeral 25 'indicates a frangible container preferably formed of glass l which is lled with an obnoxious iluid such as concentrated tear gas and which has'an elongated tip 26 extending into the hollow portion 23 and rigidly secured therein` by means'of a suitable cement indicated at 27. n

It will be observed that the enlarged hollow end 23 and the elongated hollow tip 26 are formed so that the tip extends inwardly beyond the Vouter surface of the door. Such a construction prevents the possibility of the criminal sawing throughsthe dial ring 21 behind the major portionof the container 25. The container 25 is enclosed within a hollow knob 28, such knob being provided with a flange 29 which carries the combination dial as shown in Fig. 3. The space between the interior of the hollow knob and the container 25 is'lled with a suitable packing indicated at 30 `to protect and support the container during normal handling of the safe and normal operation of the door. The hollow knob is secured to the spindle 16 through the medium of a disk 31, the periphery `of which is in threaded engagement with the inner portion of the hollow knob and, is'locked therein by an overturned edge 32. The disk-31 may be `formed integrally with the spindle or it may be secured thereto in any suitable `manner such as'by means of threads thereto as shown.

' In order that a pulling force applied to the knob will be effective to break the container'beiore it breaks the spindle or shears vthe threads in* the lock therein, I make the disk 31 of a frangible construction. The short threaded' connection between the disk and the spindle may berelied upon to insure the rupture of the disk before breakage in any part of the spindlefor inthe connection between the spindle and the lockmechanisrn, but I consider' it preferable to also provide anannular recess 33 on the surfaceof the disk so as ,toV

- knob will be effective to shear the disk .in the region of the recess in the event the threads do not ywithout breaking the container.

shear so that the continued outward movement of the knob and the peripheral portion of the disk will be effective to shatter the container 25. If the knob is struck with a sledge with sufficient force to break it, it obviously must break the container. If the dial plate 21 were sawed through, it would cut the hollow tip 26 and release the fluid in the container. If the knob were cut by a saw or a torch (assuming that the heat would not break the container) at a point behind the plate 31 so that the knob portion could be removed, it would still be impossible to attack the spindle In other words, the construction is such that the container must be broken in order to gain access to the spindle for either pulling vor driving the same.

In the form `of my invention shown in Figs. 4 and 5, I show a construction which in all of its essential respects is quite similar to the device just described, and the parts corresponding to those in Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive are indicated by the saine reference numerals distinguished with the letter a.

The spindle 16a, in this form of my invention,

diers from that described above in that it is not provided with a hollow end but extends a substantial distance outwardly beyond the exterior of the door, the extending end being received and cemented in a recess 35 formed on the interior portion of a fragile gas container 25a..

The disk plate 31a, in this form of my invention, is secured at its periphery in the hollow knob member 28a and is attached to the spindle through the medium of a threadl and key connection indicated 'at 36.

The plate in this form of my invention, like the one shown in Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive, is provided with a weakened section indicated at 33a.

The form of my invention shown in Figs. 6 and 7 is somewhat different in construction and principle of operation from the form shown in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive. However, this construction is such that any axial movement of the knob, such as would be imparted thereto by a pulling force, is effective to break a container of obnoxious uid.

In this form of my invention, the door and lock mechanism, indicated by reference numerals 11b and 12b respectively, may be the same as the lock mechanism described above. The spindle 1Gb, which extends through the spindle tube 17h, is secured 'directly to the dial knob 28h which is the conventional construction employed in co bination locks.

Mounted on the outer surface of the safe door behindv the dial ring 2lb and secured thereto by a nut 22h, is a metal plate 40. This plate carries at itslower end, what I may term, a drum or shell member 41 which in turn is provided with a cover member 42 threaded thereto. The upper portion of the cover member 42 is provided with a hollow sheath 43 which projects upwardly in front of the dial knob 28h and is screwed into close relation therewith through the medium of the threadedconnection between the cover and the drum.

The inner surface of the cover member is provided with a pocket 44 which is formed with an' opening 45'and is slotted as indicated at 46 to provide a weakened section therein. This pocket receives the inner exposed end of a fragile tube 47 which contains the obnoxiousv fluid. The container 47, which is of elongated construction, is mounted in a'sleeve 48 which is threaded into the pocket V44 'and is adapted to be inserted through a passage`49 extending through the door. Pivotally mountedin the 'cover above the opening 45 is ahammer'member 50 which hasv a head 51 adapted to passfthrough the'opening-45 and pressed downwardlyA toward 'the opening by' a spring 51'. The hammer is heldin retracted-posi: tion by a fragile link 52,- preferablymade of glass, which projects into the sheath 43 and has its upper end'portion secured thereinthr'ough the medium ofa pin 53 extending'throug'h a cap 54.

In installing this device,` the plate and 'drum are iirstl mounted on theV surface of the door in the obvious manner with the opening in the drum situated in the front of the passage 49 in the safe door. The cover member, with the hammer held in retracted position, is then screwed onto the drum to a point at which the sheath 43 is situated with its upper end in juxtaposed relation with the outer surface of the knob. The sleeve 48 containing the tube 47 is then inserted through the opening 49 and is screwed into place in the cup 44. When the parts are arranged in this manner the sheath 43 must obviously be moved either by turning the cover member or by bending the sheath outwardly in order to gain access to the knob and the pin. If an attempt is made to turn the cover member, the cup and the tube are placed in shear and the cup will break in the weakened section formed by the slot indicated at 46 thus breaking the tube. If the sheath is bent in any manner, the glass link 52 will be broken, releasing the hammer which will be driven by the spring through the opening 45, thus breaking the container of gas.

The drum or shell 41 is provided with openings 55 to permit the escape of gas into the room, and the inner end of the sleeve 48 is provided with an i. opening 56 to permit the escape of gas into the 40 interior of the safe.

In the form of my invention shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the lock mechanism and door may be the same as that described above. In this form of my invention the outer surface of the door is provided with a ring or collar 60 which may be welded or otherwise secured to the door, the dial ring 21o being mounted on the outer edge of this collar so as to form a chamber between the dial ring, and

its associated knob or dial 28e, and the door.

The spindle 16C in this form of my invention is made of a length such that it will extend through this chamber to a point at which it can be secured in a conventional manner to the knob, and is provided with a plurality of fingers indicated by reference numerals 61 and 62 which have pointed ends engaging an annular container of gas indicated by reference numeral 63. This container of gas is mounted in the chamber with its outer surface in substantial engagement with the interior of the collar 60 and is held therein against outward movement by means of projections indicated at 64.

In this form of my invention any inward movement of the spindle will force the fingers 61 into crushing engagement with the fragile container,

' described and illustrated certain preferred forms of my invention, the invention is not limited to the precise construction as described above, but includes within its scope whatever changes fairly come within the spirit of the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

` 1 1.Y For use in combination with a door: a lock; a lock 'operating :mechanism mounted in said door; Vanoperating knob for said lock operating mechanism;` a frangible gas containerv mounted on the 'exterior of said-door` and having a portion thereof extendingfinto the interior of said door ;v and means'operable byv axial movement of said knob relative to'said 'door toA break said` container. 1 j 25. For Yuse in" combination with adoor: a lock; a lockoperating mechanism including'a spindle mountedin said door; a spindle operating knob on 'the exterior ofsaid door; a frangible gas oontainer mounted on the exterior of said door and having'fa p'ortiodthereof extending into the interior of said door; and means operable by axial movement of said knob relative to said door to break said container, said frangible container being contained within said knob.

3. The combination of: a lock; a spindle for operating said lock; a frangible container of obnoxious fluid rigidly mounted on the end of said spindle; and a spindle operating knob mounted on said spindle and enclosing said frangible container, said knob being engaged with frangible means securing same to said spindle.

4. For use in combination with a door; a lock; a lock operating mechanism including an operating spindle, the end of which projects beyond the outer surface of said door; a frangible container of obnoxious fluid rigidly mounted on the end of said spindle; a hollow knob member enclosing said container; and a diaphragm plate on the end of said spindle and secured at its periphery in said knob member.

5. For use in combination with a door; a lock; a lock operating mechanism including an operating spindle, the end of which projects beyond the outer surface of said door; a frangible container of obnoxious fluid rigidly mounted on the end of said spindle; a hollow knob member enclosing said container; and a diaphragm plate on the end of said spindle and secured at its periphery in said knob member, said diaphragm plate being provided with an annularrecess to provide a weakened section therein.

6. For use in combination with a door having a lock therein, a lock operating mechanism embodying: a spindle extending through said door and having a recess in its outer end; a frangible container of obnoxious fluid having a hollow tip rigidly secured in said recess; an operating knob enclosing said container; and means securing said knob to the end of said spindle.

'7. For use in combination with a door having a lock therein, a lock operating mechanism em bodying: a spindle extending through said door and having a recess in its outer end; a frangible container of obnoxious uid having a hollow tip rigidly secured in said recess; an operating knob enclosing said container; and means comprising je a diaphragm plate on the end of said spindle and engaging said knob at its periphery.

8. For use in combination with a door having a lock therein, a lock Yoperating mechanism embodying: a spindle extending through said door andhaving a recess in its outer end; a frangible container of obnoxious fluid having a hollow tip rigidly secured in said recess; an operating knob enclosing said container; and means comprising a diaphragm plate on the end of said spindle for securing said knobY to said spindle, said diaphragm plate being provided with an annular groove to form a weakened section therein.

9. For use in combination with a door having a lock therein, a lock operating mechanism embodying: a spindlevextending through said door and having-a recess in its outer end; a frangible container of obnoxious fluid'having a hollow tip rigidly secured in said recess; an operatingknob enclosing said container; and frangible means securingsaid knob to the end of said spindle.

10. For use in combination witha door having a lockk therein, a lock operating mechanism einbodying: a spindle extending through said door and having a recess in its outer end; a frangible container ofV obnoxious fluid having a hollow tip rigidly secured in said recess; a hollow operating knob enclosing said container; packing means in the space between said container and the BER'I'RAM J. STEVENS. 

